The 25-year-old sustained a knock whilst playing for Brendan Rodgers’s side during their weekend defeat to Manchester United, a game in which Sturridge had scored the goal that had brought the Reds back into contention.

His club teammate Adam Lallana has also been forced to pull out of the squad after a clash with Phil Jones in the loss at Anfield. He has been replaced by Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason, but there is no news yet as to whether England manager Roy Hodgson will seek a replacement striker for Sturridge.

The former Chelsea man’s absence does leave the side with only three attacking options: captain Wayne Rooney, Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck, and the uncapped Harry Kane. The Spurs star was not expected to start the European Qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley, but may now get his chance.